Mar Blue is a tiny hotel, about 8 rooms, located in this very quiet area of Jamaica. Treasure Beach is for those who want to see Jamaica not all-inclusive could be anywhere tourist-ville. Mar Blue is run by a sweet German couple, and the rooms are very pleasant. It has a two small pools and a very pretty restaurant. It is on the coast, but it opens onto craggy shoreline not sand. There are two little bays on either side of it, but not particularly good ones. There were a few little niggles with our stay - the fridge didn't work, hot water kept tripping out, and bizarrely nowhere to hang your towels up. It seems to attract quiet (German?) couples, so isn't really for people who want to sit up late drinking and chatting. But if you're looking for a cool and tranquil bolt-hole then this could be perfect for you.

We stayed at the Marblue because of flight delays at the end of a wonderful trip to Jakes. The room was simple and basic, the best part was the veranda that had a beautiful view of the ocean. My problem with the place was the fact that it was deserted and we felt very uncomfortable the entire time. The owners, who have been there for 6 years, are cold and unfriendly. The staff try to make things better, but the atmosphere is oppressive. The food is said to be excellent, but I did not want to eat in an empty dining room. There must be a reason the place was empty at the height of the high season. I did not have fun there and much prefer Jakes. There, you can find people to talk to. The Marblue does not allow locals on the property and they are the heart and soul of the area. Go to the Marblue if you want a to feel isolated and unwelcome, go to Jakes if you want a great vacation.

We stayed in a Veranda Suite at Marblue for 2 nights in late April and would recommend this hotel to those who like boutique style properties and a peaceful relaxed atmosphere. Our room was on the top floor with a lovely view overlooking the pool and sea. The room had a bedroom with a very comfortable king sized bed and extra cushions, then through a (lockable) door there was a lounge type area with sofa bed, with just a heavy curtain separating this from the balcony. A great place to relax, enjoy the breeze, the view and complimentary cocktail on arrival! Both rooms had ceiling fans, and the bedroom had an air conditioning unit. A map of the local area is provided, marking out the various accommodation and eating options, which is very useful, along with a list of excursions available. The owners will call Treasure Tours on your behalf, who will make the actual arrangements and confirm to you.
Breakfast was excellent, with a menu provided to select from. We had their “splendid” breakfast included in our rate, which included tea or coffee, fresh fruit, orange juice, omelette (or eggs however you like them), bacon, and French toast or pancakes or plain toast. Axel’s omelettes were particularly good, as was the French toast!
We also ate one evening in their restaurant, which is in a very nice setting in the grounds, overlooking the sea (you could also eat in your room on request). Axel handwrites a daily menu depending on what is available locally. We enjoyed a prawn cocktail and lobster bisque as starters (12USD), followed by coconut prawn curry and butterfish (25USD). They offer wine but only red or white, so we took our own bottle of rose which they very kindly allowed us to drink at no charge. The food overall was excellent.
Marblue is in a good location to walk to other establishments – Jakes and Jack Sprats are a 10min walk for eating, and Dougie’s Bar at Jakes is an excellent spot to watch the sunset (Marblue is around the corner and doesn’t have the same view). If you walk out of Marblue’s beach gate and walk to the left for 5mins, in front of JaJa Villa there is a very nice cove with calm water where you can paddle/swim/float. Directly in front of Marblue itself it is rocky and not suitable for swimming.
We booked a boat trip to Black River to see the crocs and back via Pelican Bar through Treasure Tours, and were taken in a local fishing boat from the beach round the corner by a guy called Peck. The benefit of this is that it is just you and the local boat guys so the trip can be tailor-made. The fishing boat can also go further up Black River than the big tourist launches which can’t get under a bridge. We saw a couple of crocs in the lower reaches, and had a swim and a snack lunch of stuffed crab-backs further up, before heading back out to sea for a cool off stop (paddle and rum punch/beer) at Pelican Bar – heaven! Highly recommend this trip which cost USD120 for the 2 of us, leaving 9.30am and returning around 2.30pm – just don’t forget your suntan lotion/hat as no shade on the boat! There are plenty of other scenic spots in the area: Lovers Leap, Alligator Pond for lunch at Little Ochie, Alligator Hole, the deserted beach at Long Bay for collecting shells, but you really need a car to visit these.
Overall we spent a very enjoyable couple of nights, with very welcoming hosts in Andrea and Axel and loved the relaxing feel to the area around Treasure Beach. We have already recommended the hotel to friends who are now staying this weekend!

I decided to forgo the popular Jake's and try out MarBlue. I was very impressed - so much so that I want to go back tomorrow, hang out by the pool, and eat and drink the wonderful food served here. The rooms are immaculate - beautifully decorated and designed. There are 2 pools with the water nearby (a decent swimming beach is a 2 minute walk away). The place is pretty mellow so if you are looking for a rowdy happy hour head over to Jake's - and then come back to enjoy Axel's fresh fish. The owners are incredibly friendly and welcoming and have done a great job with this place. I look forward to coming back.